In the echo chamber of Confirmation Bias (the dark blue part in the middle), we accept only what we already believe, what we want to believe and what doesn’t stir up our fears. Cognitive dissonance allows us to live in an upside-down world and believe that everyone else is wrong. Many people would prefer to change facts rather than their belief systems. 

Why do people get stuck here? In sum, because they feel defenseless in the presence of a perceived danger. What to do?

Here’s a challenge for you: Supposing a colleague was trapped in the chamber where facts and data were filtered by his fears and beliefs. He’s missing opportunities and failing to take needed action. What should be done?

1. He needs to leave, his denial makes him a danger to the company.

2. Just provide data that he agrees with to keep conflict down.

3. Work around him to get things done.

4. Knowing he feels defenseless in the face of perceived danger, find out his ‘perceived’ danger and what his fears and beliefs were about it, and gently help him work through them.

Guessed right! #4 it is.

PS Confirmation Bias is a serious thinking fault. Help us research it by sending me your experiences with someone’s ‘Echo Chamber.’ Don’t use real names or company locations. I’ll respond to every message.